Assessing Sustainable Tourism in Kuala Kubu Bharu: A Qualitative Approach

Abstract

Background: Maintaining a small old town as a tourist destination is one of the Malaysian government steps to achieve sustainable tourism. Sustainability of a tourist destination depends on the town's strength, history, culture, and attractions. Aim: This study set out to investigate Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) town's key strengths and characteristics for sustainable tourism development. Method: Kuala Kubu Bharu is a small town located in Selangor, Malaysia. A qualitative approach was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews. The sample involved nine participants aged between 20 to 65 years old, who are familiar with KKB town. Result: The four key strengths of KKB for sustainable tourism development are the town's features, neighbourhood, eco-activities, and historical architecture. Discussion: KKB town has the potential to remain a tourist destination in Malaysia. The sustainable tourism developments in KKB town can be accomplished if all the current key strengths and town features and characteristics are well maintained by the local communities and the Malaysian government.